A rare sight of a Buddhist stupa rising from the depths of the Mekong River has attracted numerous visitors to Nong Khai Province in northeastern Thailand.
Phra That Klang Nam Stupa. (Photo: The Nation)
The Phra That Klang Nam Stupa was built in the 15th century, approximately 700 years ago, on the banks of the river. However, the stupa collapsed into the Mekong River in 1847 and was completely submerged when the river changed its course.
On March 13th, a large number of tourists flocked to Nong Khai to pay homage to the Phra That Klang Nam Stupa after it was revealed due to the lowered water levels of the Mekong River. Many people stood on the riverbank to admire the stupa from a distance, while others took boats to observe it up close.
According to the Urangkhathat Buddhist chronicle, this stupa is said to house the relics of the Buddha. The structure and architecture of the stupa share many similarities with other constructions from the same period.
However, the flow of the Mekong River is believed to be eroding the outer stone layer of the stupa. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, an underwater survey revealed that the stupa has broken into three parts.
The Thai Water Resources Department has reported that the water level of the Mekong River in some areas has dropped below 1 meter due to drought. Boats have been warned to exercise extreme caution when navigating around the stupa.
